what's a pictorial representation of data called

Create a pictorial chart and discover important patterns and trends

A pictorial chart is a visual representation of data that uses icons. Learn how to create an effective pictorial chart quickly with Infogram's free chart maker.

A pictorial chart (also called a pictogram, a pictograph, or a picture chart) is a visual representation of data that uses pictograms – icons or pictures in relative sizes – to highlight data patterns and trends. Pictorial charts are common in business communication or news articles to visually compare data .

With Infogram, you can quickly create professional pictorial charts for your business or personal use. It's easy to get started. Just choose pictorial chart templates created by our designers. Add icons, text, adjust colors, and visualize your data to engage your audience from the first glance. 

Read on to learn more how to create a pictorial chart online using our easy-to-use pictorial chart maker. Don't worry, we're handling the complicated pieces, allowing you to focus on making engaging, interactive, and educational content that makes an impact.  

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Pictorial charts are often used to compare the number of units , size , or progress . A pictorial chart is a great choice when comparing a few categories with clear differences. Pictorial charts are very common in business communication and media (for example, in news articles or infographics ).

Pictorial charts are a great pick whenever you want to make your data stand out and become more memorable . When designed effectively, pictorial charts will make a great addition for:

1. News articles

3. Infographics

4. Presentations

Infogram's chart creator allows you to quickly make a pictorial chart in just 5 steps:

1. Log in to Infogram

2. Select the pictorial chart type (the classic pictorial chart , size comparison , or pictorial bar )

3. Upload or copy and paste your data

4. Customize the labels and icons, then adjust the design by changing the background , colors , and fonts

5. Download your pictorial chart , add it to your report , infographic , embed it on your website , or share it on social media

Infogram is super easy to use and made with non-designers in mind. Even if you don't have any programming , coding , or design experience , you'll be able to make pictorial charts in just a couple of steps. 

We did all the technical work for you. Now, all that's left to do is start creating.

Here are some general tips to keep in mind to make a pictorial chart like a superstar:

1.  Find the right icon. The power of pictorials is in their familiar shapes , so try to find icons that represent your categories. 

2. Avoid using very detailed icons. That way, the reader will be able to understand your chart at a glance. Try to think of the simplest picture that represents the data.

3. A void large data sets. Using a pictorial chart for large data sets will make it hard to count the values.

The origins of the pictorial chart can be traced back to the history of civilization. Early written symbols were based on pictographs (pictures that resemble what they signify) and ideograms (symbols which represent ideas). Ancient Sumerian , Egyptian , and Chinese civilizations began to adapt such symbols to represent concepts, developing them into logographic writing systems .  

The idea of the universal language of pictorials was best developed by an Austrian social scientist Otto Neurath and a German designer Gerd Arntz in the late 1920s. Together, they were the perfect fit to develop an ISOTYPE (International System Of Typographic Picture Education) – a set of 4,000 pictograms that could express almost anything.

Learn more about the history of the pictorial chart here .

You can customize any pictorial chart to your liking. Pick the right color palette and font , adjust the labels and icons , and even add animations . To edit your chart , click on it, then go to Settings and make the necessary changes.

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graph , pictorial representation of statistical data or of a functional relationship between variables. Graphs have the advantage of showing general tendencies in the quantitative behaviour of data, and therefore serve a predictive function. As mere approximations, however, they can be inaccurate and sometimes misleading.

Most graphs employ two axes, in which the horizontal axis represents a group of independent variables, and the vertical axis represents a group of dependent variables. The most common graph is a broken-line graph, where the independent variable is usually a factor of time. Data points are plotted on such a grid and then connected with line segments to give an approximate curve of, for example, seasonal fluctuations in sales trends . Data points need not be connected in a broken line, however. Instead they may be simply clustered around a median line or curve, as is often the case in experimental physics or chemistry.

If the independent variable is not expressly temporal, a bar graph may be used to show discrete numerical quantities in relation to each other. To illustrate the relative populations of various nations, for example, a series of parallel columns, or bars, may be used. The length of each bar would be proportional to the size of the population of the respective country it represents. Thus, a demographer could see at a glance that China’s population is about 30 percent larger than its closest rival , India.

This same information may be expressed in a part-to-whole relationship by using a circular graph, in which a circle is divided into sections, and where the size, or angle, of each sector is directly proportional to the percentage of the whole it represents. Such a graph would show the same relative population sizes as the bar graph, but it would also illustrate that approximately one-fourth of the world’s population resides in China. This type of graph, also known as a pie chart , is most commonly used to show the breakdown of items in a budget.

In analytic geometry , graphs are used to map out functions of two variables on a Cartesian coordinate system , which is composed of a horizontal x -axis, or abscissa, and a vertical y -axis, or ordinate. Each axis is a real number line, and their intersection at the zero point of each is called the origin. A graph in this sense is the locus of all points ( x , y ) that satisfy a particular function .

The easiest functions to graph are linear, or first-degree, equations, the simplest of which is y = x . The graph of this equation is a straight line that traverses the lower left and upper right quadrants of the graph, passing through the origin at a 45-degree angle. Such regularly-shaped curves as parabolas, hyperbolas, circles, and ellipses are graphs of second-degree equations. These and other nonlinear functions are sometimes graphed on a logarithmic grid, where a point on an axis is not the variable itself but the logarithm of that variable. Thus, a parabola with Cartesian coordinates may become a straight line with logarithmic coordinates.

In certain cases, polar coordinates ( q.v. ) provide a more appropriate graphic system, whereby a series of concentric circles with straight lines through their common centre, or origin, serves to locate points on a circular plane. Both Cartesian and polar coordinates may be expanded to represent three dimensions by introducing a third variable into the respective algebraic or trigonometric functions. The inclusion of three axes results in an isometric graph for solid bodies in the former case and a graph with spherical coordinates for curved surfaces in the latter.

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Here you will learn about pictographs, including constructing, reading, and interpreting them.

Students first learn about pictographs in 2 nd grade with their work representing data in measurement and data. They expand their knowledge of analyzing and representing data as they progress through elementary and middle school.

What is a pictograph?

A pictograph or a picture graph uses pictures to show data. It is a method of data visualization.

Tally charts can be represented by pictographs. To draw a pictograph, you use a graphic symbol that goes with the frequency or value. The key of the pictograph explains the numerical value that the symbol represents.

A pictograph design can be constructed using a table with two columns. In the first column is the name of the group or category, and the second column features the graphic symbol.

In the above example, the tally chart below shows the frequency of the data for the favorite season for each of Mr. Johan’s students. Let’s represent the tally chart as a pictograph.

The picture (symbol) of the smiley face represents 1 vote. In this case, the number of smiley faces is equivalent to the number of tally marks. 7 students liked winter as their favorite season, so on the pictograph there are 7 smiley faces for winter.

The pictograph makes it easy to answer questions such as, what is the number of students that prefer summer?

This pictograph represents the amount of fruit eaten by one person per day over the course of one week. Here, each green circle represents 1 piece of fruit and so we can see that 4 and a half pieces of fruit were consumed on Monday, 2 pieces of fruit were consumed on Tuesday, etc.

History of pictographs

Some of the first pictographs were found in the Americas. Have you been to the Petroglyph National Monument in New Mexico? Here you will find some of the first pictographs ever created.

Petroglyphs are rock carvings or rock paintings, which are also called pictographs.

Approximately 90 \% of the national monument’s petroglyphs were created by the ancestors of today’s Pueblo people (Native Americans) who lived in the Rio Grande Valley since about 500 \, AD.

Common Core State Standards

How does this apply to 1 st grade – 6 th grade math?

• Grade 1 – Measurement and Data (1.MD.C.4) Organize, represent, and interpret data with up to three categories; ask and answer questions about the total number of data points, how many in each category, and how many more or less are in one category than in another.
• Grade 2 – Measurement and Data (2.MD.D.10) Draw a picture graph and a bar graph (with single-unit scale) to represent a data set with up to four categories. Solve simple put together, take-apart, and compare problems using information presented in a bar graph.
• Grade 3 – Measurement and Data (3.MD.B.3) Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with several categories. Solve one- and two-step “how many more” and “how many less” problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs.
• Grade 4 – Number and Operations – Fractions (4.NF.B.3.b) Decompose a fraction into a sum of fractions with the same denominator in more than one way, recording each decomposition by an equation. Justify decompositions, for example, by using a visual fraction model.
• Grade 5 – Number and Operations – Base Ten (5.NBT.A.2) Explain patterns in the number of zeros of the product when multiplying a number by powers of 10, and explain patterns in the placement of the decimal point when a decimal is multiplied or divided by a power of 10. Use whole number exponents to denote powers of 10.

How to read a pictograph

In order to read a pictograph:

Read the key in order to find the value of each symbol.

Interpret the data to answer the question.

[FREE] Represent and Interpret Data Check for Understanding (Grade 1 to 3)

Use this quiz to check your 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade students’ understanding of representing and interpreting data. 15+ questions with answers covering a range of 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade represent and interpret data topics to identify areas of strength and support!

Pictograph examples

Example 1: read/interpret pictograph.

At a family reunion, Dara took a survey of her relatives’ favorite type of pet and made the pictograph below. Which pet had exactly four votes?

Each paw print symbol is equal to 1 vote.

2 Interpret the data to answer the question.

Looking at each of the rows

The rabbit was the pet with exactly 4 votes.

Example 2: read/interpret a pictograph

The pictograph below shows the favorite sport of Ms. Barr’s class. How many fewer students like baseball than soccer?

Each ball symbol is equal to 1 student.

There are 8 ball symbols for soccer which means 8 students favor soccer. There are 6 ball symbols for baseball which means 6 students favor baseball.

Comparing the ball symbols in each row, you can see there are 2 more ball symbols in the soccer row which means 2 fewer students favored baseball than soccer.

Example 3: read/interpret pictograph

The pictograph below represents the number of cars that parked in the train station parking lot over the course of 7 days. How many cars were parked in the lot on Day 4?

Each car symbol represents 10 cars.

On the pictograph, Day 4 has 5 cars.

You can skip count starting with 10.

You can add,

10+10+10+10+10=50

There were 50 cars in the lot on Day 4.

How to construct a pictograph

In order to construct a pictograph:

Make sure the table has the correct number of rows.

Label the table.

Make a key.

Count the graphic symbols for each row.

Draw the graphic symbols into the pictograph.

Example 4: construct a pictograph with graphic symbol equal to 1 unit

Use the information in the following table to construct a pictogram of the number of water bottles drank per day over 5 days.

There are 5 days on the tally chart, so there should be 5 rows on the pictograph.

Count the number of graphic symbols needed in each row.

Place the graphic symbols into the pictograph.

Example 5: construct a pictograph from a tally chart

Four students were playing a game of marbles. The number of games won is recorded in the tally chart below.

Draw a pictogram of the number of game wins. Use the key provided.

There are 4 people, Anna, Bella, Charlie, and Derek so the pictograph has 4 rows.

The key is given.

One circle represents 2 wins.

Example 6: construct a pictograph with graphic symbol equal to a large value

A tile manufacturer is calculating the average number of tiles the factory produces per day over the first 6 months of the year. Below is a table of results.

There are 6 months, January, February, March, April, May, and June so there should be 6 rows.

Since there are four diamond shapes in the symbol, each small diamond equals 500 tiles.

In order to figure out how many symbols there should be in each row, divide the tally for each month by 2000.

\text { January }=5000 \div 2000=2.75 → 2 full symbols and 0.75 or \cfrac{3}{4} of the third symbol.

\text { February }=7000 \div 2000=3.5 → 3 full symbols and 0.5 or \cfrac{1}{2} of the fourth symbol.

\text { March }=6000 \div 2000=3 → 3 full symbols.

\text { April }=7500 \div 2000=3.75 → 3 full symbols and 0.75 or \cfrac{3}{4} of the fourth symbol.

\text { May }=6500 \div 2000=3.25 → 3 full symbols and 0.25 or \cfrac{1}{4} of the fourth symbol.

\text { June }=8500 \div 2000=4.25 → 4 full symbols and 0.25 or \cfrac{1}{4} of the fifth symbol.

Teaching tips for pictographs

• Make it a habit of creating a pictograph as a classroom, for common daily, weekly or monthly activities.
• Instead of giving students math worksheets to practice, provide authentic learning experiences for students where they can create their own pictographs with data they collected.
• Include projects that provide choice for students where they can choose the visual representation of data.
• Reinforce with students the importance of reading the key of pictographs so that they interpret the pictorial symbols and data correctly.
• Reinforce to students that pictographs are pictorial representations of numerical data. Similarly, bar graphs and pie charts are other ways to visually represent data.

Easy mistakes to make

• Thinking that a part of a symbol cannot be a whole number The use of part of a symbol does not mean that the actual value is fractional. For example, in the graph above, if the smiley face represents 4 people, then half of a smiley face would represent 2 people, which is NOT fractional, but a whole number.

Related represent and interpret data lessons

• Represent and interpret data
• Tally chart

Practice pictograph questions

1. Jamil records the number of sodas he drinks per day over one week.

He displays his results in the pictogram below.

Use the given data to determine how many sodas Jamil drank in total for the week?

The key shows that one symbol represents 1 soda. To find the total number of sodas Jamil drinks in the week, add up the amount of symbols in the pictograph.

3+5+2+1+3=14

2. A nursery school records the number of children that attend their after school play group over one week. The pictogram below shows their results.

Given that 8 children attended on Wednesday, determine the number of children who attended on Thursday.

The two rows that are important to focus on are Wednesday and Thursday.

There is no key provided with this pictograph, so you need to find the value of one smiley face so that you can find the number of children on Thursday.

Notice there are 4 smiley faces for Wednesday, which is equivalent to 8 children. To find out what 1 smiley face is equal to you can divide, 8 \div 4=2. \; 1 smiley face is equal to 2 children.

So, there are 2.5 smiley faces represented for Thursday, which means that there are 5 children in attendance for Wednesday. You can multiply, 2.5 \times 2=5

3. The table below shows the age of 5 children.

Represent this information in a pictogram. Use the key provided below.

Each candle represents 1 year so the number of candles for each row matches the age of the child. All the symbols are left aligned with the correct number in each row.

4. The number of different flavors of ice cream sold on one day is shown in the tally chart below.

Each symbol represents 2 ice creams, so we need to divide each frequency by 2 and then draw that number of ice creams in each row.

5. A delivery company is looking at how many pizzas they have delivered from 5 different companies in one evening.

As each symbol represents 8 deliveries and since the symbol is divided into 8 small pie pieces, one section of the symbol can represent 1 delivery.

Dividing each frequency by 8, you get the number of full symbols and the remainder represents how many more pieces of the symbols are needed.

6. The pictogram below shows the number of days of sunshine over 5 weeks. State the error made within this pictogram.

The symbols are not the same in weeks 2 and 4.

The frequencies are not in order from smallest to largest.

The symbols should be drawn on top of each other like a bar chart.

The number of days in week 3 is more than 7.

Week 3 has 4 suns. As each sun is worth 2 days, the number of days in week 3 is 4 \times 2=8 which is not possible.

Pictographs FAQs

Data handling is the process of gathering, recording, and presenting statistical data in graphs or charts.

Pictography is a way of communicating through pictures and drawings. Pictographs are a form of pictography.

Hieroglyphics was a form of picture writing of the Ancient Egyptians. Hieroglyphics are also known as pictograms.

The next lessons are

• Converting fractions, decimals, and percentages

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Each week, our tutors support thousands of students who are at risk of not meeting their grade-level expectations, and help accelerate their progress and boost their confidence.

Find out how we can help your students achieve success with our math tutoring programs .

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Blog Marketing 10+ Pictograph Examples and How To Make Them

10+ Pictograph Examples and How To Make Them

Written by: Daleska Pedriquez Dec 02, 2021

We’re all used to seeing bar charts, line charts, and pie charts in business settings, but not pictographs. But pictographs can also be a powerful form of data visualization.

How do pictographs work in a business setting and as a visual marketing tool? This guide will share examples of pictographs and show you how to make one yourself.

Haven’t had experience creating pictograms? With the Venngage Chart Maker and pictogram chart templates , you can create pictographs easily.

Click to jump ahead:

• What is a pictograph?
• Best Venngage pictograph templates

How to make a pictograph?

What are the parts of a pictograph.

• What is the importance of using pictographs? 
• Are pictographs and pictograms the same? 

FAQs about creating a pictograph

What is a pictograph .

A pictograph is a pictorial representation of data that uses icons, images, or symbols related to the central topic. A key is often included in the chart to indicate what word or numerical data group each icon represents.

The size of your icons must be the same except when you need to show a fraction relative to the amount per key.

Take a look at the pictograph example below. While the numerical values are bold and clear, you appreciate the data more because of the supplemental icons. It emphasizes the point of the pictograph.

This is an excellent design for the type of advocacy where you want to highlight statistics. Or you can use it in a pitch deck to show how many students are using your product.

Another good pictograph design can be found below. As we all know, infographics have been an effective tool to inform and educate the market. This pictograph represents how many children are using social media channels as well as their usage behavior.

And by using pictographs, you get to send your message across clearly. In this specific example, the infographic uses both icons and real photos, making the data easy to understand.

Related: 9 Best Infographic Makers for Businesses in 2021

Best Venngage pictograph examples

Venngage has several templates for pictographs and infographics. We’ve shared a few examples, but here are a few more.

Population growth infographic example

Using different colors for your pictographs is a great strategy if you want to make your design interesting. This can be seen in the picture graph template below.

Apart from making your chart visually appealing, it makes your data stand out. Numbers become clearer and your audience is better able to understand the information right away. 

Kubler Ross change management example 

If you want to add more information about your pictograph, you can see how the change management communication template below is organized for inspiration.

The categories in the pictograph are straightforward. However, before you present this information to management, you will want to give more details, especially because the subject is related to your employees.

In other words, when you create pictographs, always consider your audience. Ask yourself, what do they need to know and what details can improve your pictogram?

How NPS works infographic example

You can also get creative with your pictographs similar to what you can get from our next example. Instead of using similar graphics, this template uses a variety of styles to represent different categories.

You can follow this style for your own pictogram design. Your audience will be more engaged and interested if your pictograph is unique.

Now that you know the parts of a pictograph, how can you create one:

• Collect the data – Identify the data for the different categories to create the best chart . From there, create a list or table so you can easily plot it into a pictogram once you have all the other elements.
• Choose a symbol – Think about the most relevant icons or symbols you can use to depict the given data in your pictograph. If you are talking about time, you can use a watch or even an hourglass.
• Include the key – Assign a numerical value per icon. For example, an hourglass could represent five hours. Make sure to include the key in your graph so that your audience will be able to translate your data properly. 
• Lay out your pictograph – Create two columns where you can place your categories and data. Add the icons based on your key.
• Review the design – Check all your labels and review to make sure you haven’t missed anything from your report. You can also ask the opinion of others so you can improve your design. 

If you don’t want to start from scratch or aren’t sure of your design abilities, use Venngage’s templates to depict your pictograph. With over a thousand free templates, you can depict any type of data.

With Venngage for business , you can add your brand kit to all designs with a single click. Use the My Brand Kit feature to automatically import your logo, colors, and fonts.

Most of the examples of pictographs in this post are contained within infographics. However, for a standard pictograph, these are the essential elements that you need to include:

• Graph title 
• Categories 

You can see these elements in action in the following pictograph. Note each symbol is the same size and the difference in numbers is only depicted through a change in color hue.

The above pictograph shows how many students have access to phones. These statistics could have been shown as raw numbers, but a pictograph can visualize numbers so the audience understands them at a glance.

Related: Pie Charts and Other Ways to Show

What is the importance of using pictographs? 

Pictographs are commonly used in mathematics and in data handling. This type of pictorial representation is ideal for early learners because it’s visually appealing and easier to understand compared to other types of charts .

But pictographs have plenty of uses for the corporate world. They can be used in business settings where large amounts of data need to be presented in a by-the-numbers infographic .

Nonprofit organizations can benefit from using pictographs, like in the below pictogram example.

To highlight the percentage of refugee children who are orphaned, the template uses a broken heart icon that. This strengthens the message of the infographic. 

Here’s a statistical infographic on a similar central topic that has also used pictographs. 

The template uses immediately recognizable and relevant icons for wastewater and highlights the given data by adjusting the transparency. This is a great technique if you want your pictograph to follow a minimalist approach while still breaking down complex data.

Visualizing data is easy with Venngage’s import data function. Import your information from a Google sheet or CSV into the Venngage editor and the charts automatically populate the data.

Related: How to Choose the Best Types of Charts For Your Data

Are pictographs and pictograms the same? 

Many people confuse pictographs and pictograms . They are actually the same. However, do not confuse them with  ideograms that use geometric shapes and lines to represent ideas.

Pictographs and pictograms use pictures, icons, and symbols to depict a topic. For example, you can use the sun to indicate summer, clouds for a windy day, flame for fire, ice cream for desserts, or waves for oceans.

The infographic below uses icons that are universally acknowledged as figures for males and females. 

Ideograms are more complex to understand than the above table because they represent abstract ideas.

Related: How to Create a Stunning Pyramid Chart in 5 Steps

What are the common mistakes in pictograph designs?

Creating a pictograph can be exciting. But that’s also the reason why most people make mistakes with their designs. These are the errors to avoid while making a pictogram. 

First, don’t forget to add the title for your pictograph. No matter how good your charts and symbols are, not having a title can confuse your audience. Do not expect that people will understand your graph with that. Highlight your title and use larger fonts. 

Since we’re talking about text, always check that you have labeled your graph properly. This includes the categories and the definitions in your key. 

Another mistake is using complex icons. The goal is to design a pictogram that everyone can understand at a glance. Use symbols and icons that are universally known. 

If you aren’t sure about creating pictographs, using an online design platform like Venngage will make the process easier.

How do you use a pictograph maker? 

In today’s digital age, we all need to be efficient. If you can automate tasks, you can get more work done. The same goes for creating graphs .

It’s fine if you aren’t comfortable designing infographics or pictograms. With the Venngage chart maker, creating a pictograph is a breeze.

Sign-up is free and you can start creating immediately. Choose a template, edit the data and swap out icons. It takes little time to work with the intuitive editor before your design is complete.

Use pictogram design to represent data in a visually-appealing way

The examples above prove that pictorial representation can be a powerful tool for sharing complex data with a wider audience.

With Venngage’s simple design solution, you can create a memorable pictogram for marketing and business materials and make an impact on your customers.

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Educational resources and simple solutions for your research journey

Data Visualization: How to Present Your Research Data Visually

The academic and scientific community produces large amounts of data through their research, and data visualization is a key skill for researchers across all disciplines. Presenting qualitative data visually from one’s research can transform the final output, and one does not have to spend enormous amount of time to accomplish this. Researchers who need to communicate quantitative data have several options to present it visually through bar graphs, pie charts, histograms and even infographics. However, communicating research findings based on complex datasets is not always easy. This is where effective data visualization can greatly help readers. Data visualization is the representation of information and data in a pictorial or graphical format highlighting the trends and outliers and making it easier to understand. Effective use of data visualization techniques helps to focus readers’ attention on critical information, in a way is both simple and engaging.

Many researchers are often under the false impression that presenting qualitative data visually is a complex exercise, but it is not. Today, there are numerous qualitative data visualization tools and techniques that can be used by both beginners and experts alike. Using data visualization to communicate important data can enhance the impact of the researcher’s work thereby making it more meaningful and engaging to potential readers. Adding visuals like graphs and charts can make it easier for not just for researchers to communicate experimental results and share details of interesting new discoveries but also allows readers to analyze and understand complicated data sets and concepts. A study in The Economist revealed the number of citations jumped 120% when a research paper included infographics. 1

Let us look at some ways to make the best use of data visualization techniques that will help present your qualitative research data and information effectively.

Table of Contents

Pair the right kind of visuals to convey specific data sets

The human brain is wired to quickly analyze and understand visual cues which is why it is important to add visual elements in your research paper. Plotting data using charts, graphs and infographics allows readers to quickly identify underlying patterns of data that would otherwise be difficult to comprehend when reading through paragraphs of text. However, using the wrong kind of visuals can be misleading, and reduce readability and comprehension.

Today, with more and more scientific knowledge being conveyed visually via social media, researchers are experimenting with communicating research through different types of visuals. However, using the right kind of visuals is imperative to ease the public understanding of science.

In fact, an interesting study in the Journal of the American Statistical Association by William Cleveland and Robert McGill sheds light on how human perception affects how we decipher graphic displays of data; this made some kinds of charts easier to understand than others. The statisticians were able to prove that charts based on the lengths of bars or lines, such as in a standard bar chart were the easiest to read – especially, when trying to discern small differences between values. Pie charts on the other hand were acceptable only in limited contexts so were rarely the right choice. 2

Focus on balancing form and function

There are several data visualization software and programs available to researchers today that simplify the process of presenting data visually. What needs to be kept in mind, however, is that quantitative data visualization is not just about beautifying graphs to make them look better. Neither is it about heaping information into an infographic to communicate different aspects of research. Researchers must understand that to be effective, data visualization must be a delicate balance between form and function. While a plain graph could be too boring to attract and hold reader attention a beautiful visual could also fail in its endeavor to communicate the right message if it is not presented properly. The data and the visuals need to work together to create a compelling narrative that combines research analysis with storytelling.

Be aware of the use of colors and shapes

While incorporating quantitative data visualization techniques it is recommended not to rely only on the default templates available within software and programs but instead customize and define the layout according to your specific needs. Choosing the right colors and shapes to indicate various categories is very important. For example, it would be appropriate to use light colored text on a darker background to enhance readability. Researchers can also choose to use different shapes to indicate separate data sets and categories of information and use varying sizes to stress the frequency of data. One can also use similar vectors to add a touch of ingenuity to the visuals being used. It is best to avoid using vivid effects and abstract images for denoting differences in data as they can distract readers from key information points being conveyed.  Most importantly, avoid adding too many visuals or graphics. Researchers must use visuals only where necessary and align them with the information provided.

While many early career researchers and academics might find it challenging to visualize qualitative data and present it in a manner that is easily understood by an audience, this is an art that should be cultivated and can be mastered. This is where Mind The Graph comes in help researchers get more creative with science communication by offering them a simple way to present data visually. A powerful AI tool for scientists, Mind The Graph is home to the world’s largest scientifically accurate illustrations gallery with over 40,000 illustrations across more than 80 research fields. Choose a format to communicate your research and use one of the 200+ pre-made templates to create powerful scientific infographics, posters, graphical abstracts, and presentations for your own research. It’s a quick, effective, and powerful way to communicate your science to the world. And the best part is that you can now get Mind The Graph at a steal by subscribing to Researcher.Life , which unlocks access to this data visualization tool as well as other premium AI tools and services designed to help you succeed.

References:

• Graphic Details, The Economist, June 2016. Available at https://www.economist.com/science-and-technology/2016/06/16/graphic-details
• Mason, B. Why scientists need to be better at data visualization. Knowable Magazine, 2019. Available at https://knowablemagazine.org/article/mind/2019/science-data-visualization

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Pictorial Representation Of Data: Bar Graph, Properties, Types & Examples

Collegedunia Team

Content Curator

Pictograph is a term for a visual or pictorial representation of data . For example, a bar graph allows data stakeholders to visually show a wide range of data, which not only improves understanding but also makes things easier for the merchant. The difference between realistic and logical visuals is a common one in graphical representations. Paintings, Photographs and drawings that are realistic have solid qualities & structures in common with the items they describe. A bar graph, often known as a bar chart, is the most basic visual data representation.

Read Also: Class 8 Introduction to Graph

Key terms: Bar Graph, Pictorial, Group, Rectangular, Expenditure, Representation,data

Pictorial Representation Using Bar Graph

[Click Here for Sample Questions]

A bar graph , also referred to as a bar chart, is a graph that displays data in the form of rectangular bars. The length of the bar is proportionate to the values it represents in this case. The bar graph can be formed both ways: vertical and horizontal orientation. The term “column bar graph” refers to a vertical bar graph. 

Bar graphs are used as comparative tools because they can display multiple groups of data on the same graph. The length of the rectangular bar refers to the value of each category. As these rectangular bars are proportional, the disparities between them may be seen much more easily than with words. Let’s look at bar graphs in more detail.

Assume your monthly salary is 15k, and You are free to spend this money in any way you see fit. You spend this money on Groceries, entertainment, electricity bill and all. What you observe is that the money appears to vanish very soon. So, you reluctantly create a bar chart to know about where you are actually spending your money so that you can balance your expenditure accordingly. However, you'll need data to make a bar chart. You should keep track of what you spend money on and how much you spend it on. After a month, you have the details of this months’ expenditure, and they look something like this.

The first thing to notice is how the information is organized. It is the first step in the process of making a bar graph. All the expenditures are all classed together. The same can be said for other things as well. When talking about a bar graph, it was noted that the values are represented by a rectangular bar, the length of which is proportional  to the data value. Another feature of a bar graph comes into play at this point. Let’s look at an example,

A uniform scale is required for a bar graph. The scale determines how the numerical data is converted into a rectangular representation. A bar graph is a visual depiction of numbers made up of bars of varying widths and lengths that are proportional to the number.

For example, if you use a 25 cm long rectangular bar to symbolize the money you spent on chocolate, the scale is 1 rupee equals one unit on the graph, i.e. one rupee equals one centimeter. However, it is evident that a large graph is required for this form of representation. The problem with scale is that we have complete control over it. So, instead of 25 cm, a rectangular bar of length 25 millimeters can be used to indicate the same number, and here the scale is 10 rupees equals one unit, i.e. 10 rupees equals one centimeter.

As clear information about the scale is critical for data interpretation, it is critical to state the scale of your graph on both the x-axis and the y-axis. Using the latter scale, one centimeter equals ten rupees. It’s vital to remember that all of the data groups in the bar graph have the same scale.

Properties of Bar Graph

Here are some important properties of Bar Graph: 

• Each bar or column in a bar graph must have the same width. 
• All rectangular bars must have equal space between them.
• The base of the bars is common in a bar graph. 
• The height of the bars proportionally represents the data in the bar graph. 
• Depending on the data, the bars can be drawn horizontally or vertically.

Check More:   Graphical Representation of Data

Types of Bar Graphs

A bar graph is used to show data in a graphical representation. Here are some different types of Bar graphs:

• Vertical bar graph

Vertical bar graphs are graphs or charts in which the given data is shown vertically in a graph or chart with the use of rectangular bars that display the data measure. The y-axis indicates the value of the height of the rectangular bars, which reflects the quantity of the variables stated on the x-axis, and the x-axis shows the vertically drawn rectangular bars.

• Horizontal bar graph

Horizontal bar graphs are graphs in which the provided data is displayed horizontally by rectangular bars that display the data measure. The variables or classifications of the data must be written, and then rectangular bars must be constructed horizontally on the y-axis, with the length of the bars equivalent to the values of the various variables present in the data on the x-axis.

• Stacked Bar Graph

The composite bar graph is another name for the stacked bar graph. It separates the entire bar into sections. Each segment of a bar is represented by a different colour to make it easier to distinguish between the many categories. It necessitates appropriate labelling to distinguish the various portions of the bar. In a stacked bar graph, each rectangular bar represents the entire graph, and each segment in the rectangular bar represents the various components of the entire graph. It can be displayed horizontally or vertically.

• Grouped Bar Graph

The clustered bar graph is another name for the grouped bar graph. It's used to represent the discrete value of two or more categorical data sets. Rectangular bars are clustered by position for levels of one categorical variable, with the secondary category level in each group shown in the same colour. It can be displayed in both vertical and horizontal orientations.

Pictorial Representation of Data using Vertical Bar Graph

Vertical bar graphs are frequent visual representations that employ vertical bars to communicate data. The categories are represented by the horizontal axis, while the data for each category is represented by the vertical bars. The x-axis is the horizontal axis, while the y-axis is the vertical axis.

Vertical bar graphs can also be used to depict a sequence of data and how it changes over time. All of the vertical bars run from the x-bottom axis to its top.

Pictorial Representation of Data Using Horizontal Bar graph

The data is represented in the horizontal bar graph by bars that are parallel to the x-axis. The types are defined on the y-axis, and the data is represented by horizontal bars. The horizontal graph's bars run from left to right along the x-axis.

For example,  A class teacher of Grade 5 made a note of the students who passed in every subject in the class. She represented the data in the form of a horizontal bar graph to know the passing students in every subject.

You've seen how the bar graph of your first week's expenses looks. Assume you keep track of where you spent your money for a while longer. You discover that your expenses for week two differ slightly from those for week one. The second-week expenses are as follows:

They can all be plotted on the same bar graph because they are all part of the same group. Remember that the scale is the same for all the data in the graph. Rather than charting them independently, you can compare the changes over a longer time span or across a wider range of data by grouping them together. Now that we've plotted everything together, we'll be able to see the differences in weekly spending.

This process also allows you to control your spending because you now know where your money is going. This allows you to determine whether your expenses are necessary.

Read More: Class 8 Introduction to Graph MCQ’s

Things to remember

• A bar graph, often referred as a bar chart, is a graph that displays data in the form of rectangular bars. 
• A bar graph is used to show data in a graphical representation. 
• For pictorial representation, there are 3 kinds of bar graphs to choose from: Vertical bar graph, horizontal bar graph and Double bar graph. 
• The bar graph can be formed both ways: vertical and horizontal orientation. The term “column bar graph” refers to a vertical bar graph. 
• Bar graphs are used as comparative tools because they can display multiple groups of data on the same graph. 

Sample Questions

Ans. We can plainly see from the graph above that the fewest number of cakes were prepared on Tuesday because Tuesday is the smallest bar. Following this bar, we can see that 10 cakes were produced on this particular day.

• The data represented by the bar graph is as follows:

• The total number of cars made in the fourth week = 300, as can be seen in the graph above.

As a result, the total number of cars produced during the fourth week was 300.

Ans.  The quantity of shirts sold on Thursday is 3535 units, as seen in the bar graph.

Ans.  The minimum mark for Social Studies is 4040, as shown in the bar graph.

As a result, Ajay received the lowest possible grade in Social Studies.

Ans. A bar graph is a visual representation of data that uses vertical or horizontal bars of consistent width to represent data. They can be drawn on the horizontal axis (say, the X-axis) with equal spacing between them to represent the variable. The variable’s values are displayed on the vertical axis (say, the Y-axis), and the heights of the bars are determined by the variable’s values.

As a result, rather than playing, most students prefer to read storybooks.

Ans. It is obvious that wheat output in 1998 was at a minimum, which was 15.

Ans.  The data can be represented by the following double bar graph:

Ques. Differentiate between a bar graph and a histogram. (3 Marks)

Ans. A bar graph and a histogram are differentiated as follows:

Ans. The variable shown on the X-axis in the given bar graph is 'Months of Birth,' while the value of the variable plotted on the Y-axis is 'Number of Students.'

By looking at the graph, one can see that there are four individuals born in November.

By looking at the graph, it can be seen that the most individuals were born in August.

CBSE X Related Questions

1. a vessel is in the form of an inverted cone. its height is 8 cm and the radius of its top, which is open, is 5 cm. it is filled with water up to the brim. when lead shots, each of which is a sphere of radius 0.5 cm are dropped into the vessel, one-fourth of the water flows out. find the number of lead shots dropped in the vessel., 2. which of the following pairs of linear equations are consistent/inconsistent if consistent, obtain the solution graphically: (i)  \(x + y = 5\) , \( 2x + 2y = 10\)  (ii) \( x – y = 8 , 3x – 3y = 16\)  (iii)  \(2x + y – 6 = 0\)  ,  \(4x – 2y – 4 = 0\)  (iv)  \(2x – 2y – 2 = 0,\)   \( 4x – 4y – 5 = 0\), 3. find the sums given below : \(7 + 10\frac 12+ 14 + ....... + 84\) \(34 + 32 + 30 + ....... + 10\) \(–5 + (–8) + (–11) + ....... + (–230)\), 4. in a circle of radius 21 cm, an arc subtends an angle of 60° at the centre. find:  (i) the length of the arc (ii) area of the sector formed by the arc (iii) area of the segment formed by the corresponding chord, 5. form the pair of linear equations for the following problems and find their solution by substitution method. (i) the difference between two numbers is 26 and one number is three times the other. find them. (ii) the larger of two supplementary angles exceeds the smaller by 18 degrees. find them. (iii) the coach of a cricket team buys 7 bats and 6 balls for rs 3800. later, she buys 3 bats and 5 balls for rs 1750. find the cost of each bat and each ball. (iv) the taxi charges in a city consist of a fixed charge together with the charge for the distance covered. for a distance of 10 km, the charge paid is rs 105 and for a journey of 15 km, the charge paid is rs 155. what are the fixed charges and the charge per km how much does a person have to pay for travelling a distance of 25 km. (v) a fraction becomes \(\frac{ 9}{11}\) , if 2 is added to both the numerator and the denominator. if, 3 is added to both the numerator and the denominator it becomes  \(\frac{5}{6}\) . find the fraction. (vi) five years hence, the age of jacob will be three times that of his son. five years ago, jacob’s age was seven times that of his son. what are their present ages, 6. solve the following pair of linear equations by the substitution method.  (i) x + y = 14      x – y = 4    (ii) s – t = 3       \(\frac{s}{3} + \frac{t}{2}\)  =6  (iii) 3x – y = 3        9x – 3y = 9 (iv) 0.2x + 0.3y = 1.3       0.4x + 0.5y = 2.3  (v) \(\sqrt2x\)  +  \(\sqrt3y\) =0      \(\sqrt3x\)  -  \(\sqrt8y\)  = 0 (vi)  \(\frac{3x}{2} - \frac{5y}{3}\)  =-2,      \(\frac{ x}{3} + \frac{y}{2}\)  =  \(\frac{ 13}{6}\), subscribe to our news letter.

Pictorial Diagram: An In-depth Look at Visual Representations

Hello readers! Today, we delve into the fascinating world of pictorial diagrams, exploring their various uses, advantages, disadvantages, and alternative options. Join us on this enlightening journey as we uncover the power and intricacies of visual representations.

1. What is a Pictorial Diagram?

A pictorial diagram, also known as a visual diagram, is a graphical representation that uses symbols, illustrations, or images to convey information. It helps simplify complex concepts or ideas by providing a visual aid, allowing viewers to grasp the subject matter quickly.

2. The Advantages of Pictorial Diagrams

Pictorial diagrams offer several advantages that make them a popular choice in various fields:

• Enhanced Understanding: Pictorial diagrams enable easier comprehension of complex information, especially for visual learners.
• Efficient Communication: Visual representations transcend language barriers, making them universally understandable.
• Memorable: Images are more memorable than plain text, increasing the likelihood of retaining information.
• Time-saving: Pictorial diagrams convey information quickly, reducing the need for lengthy explanations.

3. The Limitations of Pictorial Diagrams

While pictorial diagrams have their merits, they also have some limitations:

• Simplicity: Pictorial diagrams may oversimplify complex concepts, potentially leading to misconceptions.
• Subjectivity: The interpretation of visual representations can vary from person to person, leading to potential misunderstandings.
• Space Constraints: Detailed information can be challenging to accommodate within the limited space of a pictorial diagram.
• Technical Expertise: Creating accurate and effective pictorial diagrams often requires specialized design skills.

4. Alternatives to Pictorial Diagrams

While pictorial diagrams are widely used, alternative options exist for visual representation:

• Flowcharts: Flowcharts use standardized symbols and arrows to depict processes or workflows.
• Infographics: Infographics combine illustrations, charts, and text to present complex data or information.
• Graphs and Charts: Graphs and charts visually represent numerical data, making trends and patterns easier to identify.
• Mind Maps: Mind maps utilize a hierarchical structure to visually organize information and ideas.

5. Pictorial Diagram: A Closer Look

Let’s examine the various components and characteristics of a pictorial diagram:

6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Pictorial Diagrams

Q: Where are pictorial diagrams commonly used?

A: Pictorial diagrams find applications in various fields, including engineering, architecture, education, and technical documentation.

Q: Can pictorial diagrams replace textual explanations entirely?

A: While pictorial diagrams are powerful tools, they are most effective when used in conjunction with textual explanations to provide a comprehensive understanding.

Q: Are there any software tools available for creating pictorial diagrams?

A: Yes, several software options such as Adobe Illustrator, Microsoft Visio, and Lucidchart offer features specifically designed for creating pictorial diagrams.

In conclusion, pictorial diagrams play a vital role in simplifying complex information and enhancing communication. Their visual appeal, ease of understanding, and efficiency make them valuable assets in various industries. However, it is essential to consider their limitations and explore alternative visual representation options to ensure accurate and comprehensive communication. Whether you choose pictorial diagrams, flowcharts, infographics, or other visual tools, harnessing the power of visual representations can significantly impact how information is conveyed and understood.

Pictographs

In pictographs we learn to recognize different things in our surroundings and to express the given information through pictorial symbols of different objects.

Every government, business organization, department or individual needs some information to review the progress, plans and activities for the future. Even your school principal needs different information to plan for the next session.

For example, he/she wants to purchase new furniture for the next session. Naturally, he/she will need information about number of classes, number of students in each class, number of furniture items present, number of new admissions expected, and so on. Such information is always collected in numbers, called numerical data.

The collection of information through numerical data is done by many ways such as going individually from place to place and gathering information, collecting information through newspapers, magazines and T.V. etc. or going to a library and consulting reference books, government publications etc.

To study the details of data, we use pictures. The study of data through pictures is known as pictorial representation of data.

There are different methods of representing numerical data pictorially. One of the methods is to use picture symbols. Such a representation is called a pictograph. Now we will study about representing information by pictographs in more details.

What is pictorial representation or pictograph?

The expression or illustration regarding the different information about any object or objects or activities through pictures or picture symbols is called pictorial representation or pictograph.

A pictograph is a way of showing data using images. Each image stands for a certain number of things. Pictograph makes information easy and clear to understand.

We can collect data regarding conveyances of students coming and going to school from their homes. The pictograph can be made using symbols of conveyances, students and their numbers.Pictograph showing conveyance and students

The given pictograph expresses the following information: (i) The kinds of conveyance used by the students. (ii) The number of students using conveyances and the number of students coming and going on foot. (iii) The number of students using school-bus, own car, bicycle, rickshaw, taxi, etc. (iv) Percentage of students using hired tempo or rickshaw, own car or scooter, cycle etc., fraction of students coming and going without any vehicle. (v) Percentage of students related to rich family. Students having their own cars belong to rich families.

Thus, much information may be gathered by studying the pictograph.

Let us consider some examples on   Pictograph Representation:

1. Ryan, the student of a primary school, collects some information about the number of studying in different class from call I to V.

Represent the data through a pictograph.

Suppose the symbol of one figure represents 10 students as shown below.

Now we can easily represent the information given in the table with the help of the symbol. We can represent the number of students horizontally and the classes vertically

The pictograph gives us the following information.

(i) The pictograph shows the number of students in classes I to V.

(ii) The number of students is maximum in class IV.

(iii) The number of students is minimum in classes I to III.

(iv) The number of students is same in class I to III.

(v) The total number of students in the school is 260.

2.  Students of grade III-A come to school by different mode of transport. Some of them come by school bus, some by private van and others by personal vehicle.

Let us observe the table given here showing number of students and mode of transportation.

Let us represent the given information using an image to draw a pictograph and give a title for the same.

Number of students use different mode of transportation

This representation of data where we use pictures or symbols is known as pictograph or pictogram. A pictograph has a title and a key. Here, ‘Number of students use different mode of transportation’ is a title or a label. The symbols used in a pictograph are well defined.

Here, in the above example, 

When the numbers in data are large we can use one picture or symbol to represent a specific number.

Pictographs present numerical data through appropriate pictures.

To draw a graph we have to select an appropriate scale.

3. The following table gives the number of buckets sold by a shop in each month of the year 2015.

Number of buckets sold by a shop in the year 2015.

Number of Buckets Sold in each Month of 2015

Study the pictograph carefully and answer the following questions.

(i) In which month was the maximum number of buckets sold?

     November

(ii) In which month was the minimum number of buckets sold?

     March

(iii) What is the total number of buckets sold in the whole year?

      67

(iv) What is the total number of buckets sold in the month of June and August?

     12

4. The number of a few items sold by a shop in the month of July is given below:

           Soap  =  800                    Fan           = 600

           Bulb   =  700                   Match box  = 900

Represent it by a pictograph.

Guidelines for drawing a pictograph.

• Give a title for the pictograph
• A suitable scale should be chosen according to the size of the paper.
• Diagrams should be drawn neatly.

Solved Examples on Pictographs:

5. In a park, George collected information about the colours of cars on a particular day. The information is given below:

Colour of Cars

Number of Cars

Draw a pictograph for the above data.

6.  The following pictograph shows the number of bicycles that had come to the shop to be repaired in the last week.

Looking at the pictograph, answer the following:

(i) On which day did 12 bicycles come to the shop to be repaired?

(ii) On which day did no bicycle come to the shop for repairing?

(iii) How many bicycles were brought for repairs to the shop on Saturday?

(iv) On which day did 9 bicycles come to the shop to be repaired?

(i) 12 bicycles came to the shop on Tuesday for repairing.

(ii) No single bicycles came to the shop on Friday for repairing

(iii) 15 bicycles were brought to the shop on Saturday for repairing

(iv) 9 bicycles came to the shop on Thursday for repairing.

Worksheet on Pictographs:

1. Fill in the blanks:

(i) The method of representing data using pictures is called .............

(ii) A pictograph has a title and a .............

1.  (i) Pictograph

2. How many paintings did the painter sell in February?

2.  5 paintings.

3.  The following pictograph shows the different means of transport used by the families of a colony. Each picture represents 10 families. Study the pictograph and answer the following questions.

(i) How many families use scooter?

(ii) How many families use motorbike?

(iii)  Which is the means of transport used by maximum number of families?

(iv) How many families use van?

4. The following table gives the number of students who have opted for music, dance, drawing and craft in a school.

          Music       –   400                Dance     –   300

          Drawing   –   500                Craft       –   300

Represent the information on a pictograph.

5. The number of animals in a zoo are given below.

      Lions       –  20           Snakes  –  35              Deer     –  10

      Monkeys  –  50           Tigers   –  25.             Rabbits  –  45

6. The following pictograph shows the classwise number of students coming to school by bicycle. Study it and answer the following questions.

The Classwise Number of Students Coming to School by Bicycle.

(i) How many students come to school by bicycle in class X?

(ii) Which class has the highest number of students coming to school by bicycle?

(iii) Which class has the least number of students coming to school by bicycle?

(iv) In all, how many students come to school by bicycle?

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Pictograph Examples

Pictograph and interpretation of a pictograph.

A pictograph is a way to represent data using images. Each image in the pictograph represents a certain number of things. In other words, a pictograph uses pictures and symbols to convey information about the provided data. Pictographs should be used very carefully and it is very comfortable to use, but sometimes they may lead to misinterpretation of data as well. Whenever pictographs are drawn, they should look visually correct as most of the times the data is interpreted visually. Different  pictorial representation of data such as bar graph, line graph, pie charts and so on are available to easily interpret the data.  In this article, let us discuss the definition of pictograph, how to make a pictograph, its advantages with many solved examples.

Table of Contents:

How to Make a Pictograph?

Pictograph definition.

The pictograph is a method to represent the data using images. Each image in the pictograph represents certain things. In other words, pictographs define the frequency of the data using images or symbols, which are relevant to the data. The pictograph is extremely easy to understand, and it is one of the simplest ways to represent the statistical data. In the pictograph, we use a key , which denotes the value of the symbol. While using symbols or images, all the symbols should be of the same size.

Advantages of Using Pictographs

Some of the important advantages of using Pictographs are as follows:

• Pictographs are used to express large information in a simple manner.
• It is easy to read, as all the information is provided at one glance.
• It does not require more explanation, as it is universally used.
• It attracts the attention of the viewers or readers, as it has many attractive images.

The different steps to make a pictograph are given below:

Step 1: Collect the Data

The first step in making a pictograph is the collection of relevant information, which we want to represent. Once the data is collected, make a table or a list of data.

Step 2: Select the Symbol or Images

To represent the data, pick any images/pictures or symbols. For example, if the data represents the rainfall for different cities, make use of cloud images or some other images which are relevant to the data. 

Step 3: Assign a Key

While representing the data using images, use a key, which denotes the value of the image. Because, if the frequency of the data is too high, then one image is not enough to represent the data. Thus, the numerical value called “key” is used, which should be written along with the pictograph.

Step 4: Draw the Pictograph

While making a pictograph, use two columns that represent the category and data. Finally, draw the pictograph using symbols/images, which represents the frequency. In case, if the frequency is not a whole number, the symbols can be drawn as fractions.

Step 5: Review the Data and Pictograph

Once the pictograph is drawn, make sure that the images exactly represent data as well as the labelling of the pictograph.

Let us consider an example, which will tell us how to interpret data using pictographs. In the given figure, the data of 100 students has been collected, who like different colours. The data given was as follows:

The data above can be represented as a pictograph as follows:

As we can see that the given data becomes more visually appealing and easy to interpret. Suppose, a question was asked, what is the difference between the students who like blue and red colours? By seeing the pictograph, we can directly interpret that there is a difference of 3 STUDENT and 1 STUDENT is equal to 5 students. So, the difference is of 15 students.

Consider another example in which the centimetre height of rainfall in different cities is given.

Let us draw a pictograph for the given data and try to interpret the given information.

Where each CLOUD represents 10 cm rainfall. Now, let us try to interpret some information from the above pictograph.

1. Which city had maximum rainfall as per the given data?

Delhi reported maximum rainfall, as the number of  CLOUD is maximum for Delhi and since each  CLOUD represents 10 cm rainfall, we have in total 12  CLOUD in Delhi, which means 120 cm of rainfall.

2. What is the sum of the total rainfall in all cities?

Frequently Asked Questions on Pictograph

What is meant by pictograph.

A pictograph is a way to represent the data using images or symbols. It represents the frequency of the data using images. Each image represents the frequency of the data.

What is meant by key in pictograph?

In a pictograph, a key represents the value of the image. If the frequency of the data is too large, a key is useful, which should be represented along with the pictograph.

Mention the different steps involved in making a Pictograph?

The steps involved in making pictographs are: Collect the data Select the image or symbol Assign a key Draw the pictograph Review the data

What are the advantages of using pictographs?

It helps to express large information in a simple way. It is easy to understand It easily attracts the viewers as it uses attractive images It does not require a lot of explanation

Mention the different names that represent pictographs?

Pictographs are also known as the pictorial chart, pictograph chart, picture chart, pictogram chart, etc.

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Pictorial Representation of Data – Definition, Meaning, Types, Examples

Have you heard the word pictorial representation? This web page gives a detailed explanation of pictorial representation. This article explains the definition of pictorial representation, types of pictorial representation. You can also check the solved examples of pictorial representation by going through this article completely.

Also, Refer:

• Pictographs
• Examples of Pictographs
• Problems on Pictographs

Pictorial Representation of Data

In pictorial representation symbols or images are used to represent a specific number of objects. Pictorial representations are of different kinds such as Bar graphs, Line graphs, Pictographs, etc.

Types of Pictorial Representation

Here we will discuss the types of pictorial representations and examples of pictorial representations.

A bar graph presents the categorical data with vertical bars with lengths proportional to the values that they represent. Bar charts can be two types 1. Vertical bar charts 2. Horizontal bar charts. The other name for vertical bar charts is called Column bar charts.

A bar graph is used for the comparison of discrete categories. On one axis it shows the different categories being compared and the other axis represents the measured value. The height or length of the bars specifies the value of the variable.

Example of Bar Graph

A Mobile company manufactures three different models of mobiles. The sales of the mobiles for the months are shown in the table. Represent it using the bar chart.

The X-Axis represents the Months and Y-Axis represents the sales.

In this method, the data is displayed in a circular graph. The pieces of the circle represent different categories. The pieces are proportional to the fraction of the whole in each category. In other words, each slice of the pie is comparative to the size of that category in the group as a whole. The entire “pie” is taken as 100 percent of a whole, while the pie “slices” represents portions of the whole. By using this pie chart same data can be represented in different sizes.

Here the pie chart displays the data of the favorite activities. Out of 100 percent 40 percent like walking, 24 percent like cycling, 18 percent like swimming, 12 percent like golf, and other activities are liked by 6 percent.

In this method, the data is represented using images. It represents the frequency of data by using symbols or images. It is very easy to understand. It is one of the simplest ways to represent data.

Here the image full round=4 donuts, Half round=2 donuts 1. How many Jelly donuts are there? Twenty Jelly donuts are there. 2. How many frosting donuts are there? Thirty-four Frosting donuts are there. 3. What are the maximum donuts? Maximum donuts are custard donuts. 4. What are the minimum donuts? Minimum donuts are Chocolate donuts. 5. By how much jelly donuts are more than chocolate? Jelly donuts are one more than chocolate donuts.

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A pie chart is a type of graph that helps us see what parts make up a whole. It presents categorical data visually, making it easier to digest complex information through a straightforward, intuitive format. They look like a pie cut into slices, and each slice shows a piece of information.

For example, if you want to see how much money you spend on different things like food, rent, and entertainment, a pie chart can show you this in an easy-to-understand way.

What is a Pie Chart?

A pie chart is a pictorial or graphical representation of data in chart format. A pie chart uses a circle or sphere to represent the data, where the circle represents the entire data, and the slices represent the data in parts.

A pie chart is one of the easiest ways to present and understand the given data, and pie charts are used very commonly. For example, pie charts are used in Excel very often. There are different ways of data representation . A pie chart is one of the types of charts in which the data is represented in a circular shape. The pie chart circle is further divided into multiple sectors/slices; those sectors show the different parts of the data from the whole.

Pie charts, also known as circle graphs or pie diagrams, are very useful in representing and interpreting data. The data can be compared easily with the help of a pie chart. Below is an example of a pie chart explained in detail.

Table of Content

Types of Pie Chart

Pie chart examples, pie chart formula, pie chart vs bar graph, advantages of using pie chart, pie chart disadvantages, uses of pie chart, solved practice probems on pie chart.

• What is Population Pie chart?

Pie Charts Questions for Practice

There are various variation or types of pie chart, some of the common types include:

• 3D Pie Chart: A 3D pie chart adds depth to the traditional two-dimensional pie chart by rendering it in three dimensions.
• Doughnut Chart: A doughnut chart is similar to a pie chart but with a hole in the center.
• Exploded Pie Chart: In an exploded pie chart, one or more slices are separated from the rest of the pie to emphasize their importance or to make them stand out.
• Nested Pie Chart: Also known as a multi-level pie chart or hierarchical pie chart, this type of chart consists of multiple rings of pie charts, with each ring representing a different level of data hierarchy.
• Ring Chart: A ring chart is similar to a doughnut chart but consists of multiple rings instead of just one. Each ring represents a different category of data, with the size of each segment within the ring corresponding to its proportion of the whole.

Also Check : Pie Chart in MATLAB

Let’s take a look at an example for a better understanding of pie charts. In a class of 200 students, a survey was done to collect each student’s favorite sports. The pie chart of the data is given below:

Since the pie chart is provided and the total number of students is given, we can easily take the original data out for each sport. 

• Cricket = 17/100 × 200 = 34 students
• Football = 25/100 × 200 = 50 students
• Badminton = 12/100 × 200 = 24 students
• Hockey = 5/100 × 200 = 10 students
• Other = 41/100 × 200 = 82 students

The original data for the pie chart shown above is given below:

The total value or percentage of the pie is 100% always. Here it contains different sectors and segments in which each sector or segment of the chart corresponds to a certain portion of the net or total percentage (or data). The total or sum of all the data can be summed up to 360 degrees.

• Converting the data into degrees on a pie chart. The formula for a pie chart can be summed up as:

(Given Data / Total Value of Data) × 360°

• Calculating the percentage of each sector from degrees in a pie chart.

To work out with degrees in a pie chart, we need to follow the following steps:

• First, we need to measure every slice of the chart.
• Then we need to divide it by 360°.
• Finally, multiply the obtained result by 100.

The pie chart formula is given below:

(Frequency)/(Total Frequency) × 100

Calculating Number of Sectors on a Pie Chart

To calculate the total number of slices or sectors on a pie chart, we need to multiply the sector’s percentage by the total value of the data and finally divide the result by 100.

How to Create a Pie Chart

We will learn how to create a pie chart step by step with the help of an example. A teacher surveyed a group of students to see what their favorite hobby of each student is. Let’s take a look at the pie chart example with an explanation. The data collected is listed as follows:

Now we will see how to construct a pie chart step by step.

Step 1: The first step requires us to write down the available data in tabular form as follows:

Step 2: Now find the sum of all the given data. Here, the Sum of All Data = (16 + 20 + 10 + 30 + 24) = 100

Step 3: now, calculate the percentage of each sector. we need to divide each sector value by the sum or total and then multiply it by 100..

Step 4: Next step is to calculate the degrees corresponding to each slice. The values can be calculated as:

Central Angle of Each Component = (Given Data / Total Value of Data) × 360

Hence, The values are as follows:

Step 5: Now, with the help of a protractor, we will measure each angle from a single point or central point and draw the circle’s sectors. The resultant pie chart will be:

How to Read Pie Chart

In order to read a pie chart, the first thing to notice is the data presented in the pie chart. If the data is given in percentage, it should be converted accordingly in order to analyze and interpret the data. Let’s take a look at an example in order to learn how to interpret pie charts.

Example: In a survey done among 300 people, it was observed which type of genre each person prefers. The pie chart of the same is mentioned below. Analyze and interpret the pie chart accordingly to find the original data.

While observing the pie chart, it came to notice that the data is present in percentage. Let’s convert the data to obtain the original value. Number of people who like comedy = 20/100 × 300 = 60 people. Number of people who like action = 25/100 × 300 = 75 people. Number of people who like romance = 30/100 × 300 = 90 people. Number of people who like drama = 5/100 × 300 = 15 people. Number of people who like sci-fi = 20/100 × 300 = 60 people.

The key difference between pie chart and bar graph are listed in the following table:

Pie Chart is very useful for finding and representing data. Various advantages of the pie chart are,

• Pie chart is easily understood and comprehended.
• Visual representation of data in a pie chart is done as a fractional part of a whole.
• Pie chart provides an effective mode of communication to all types of audiences.
• Pie chart provides a better comparison of data for the audience.

There are some disadvantages also of using pie charts and some of them are added below,

• In the case of too much data, this presentation becomes less effective using a pie chart.
• For multiple data sets, we need a series to compare them.
• For analyzing and Assimilating the data in a pie chart, it is difficult for readers to comprehend.

Whenever a fraction or fractions are represented as a part of the whole, pie charts are used. Pie charts are used to compare the data and to analyze which data is bigger or smaller. Hence, while dealing with discrete data, pie charts are preferred. Let’s take a look at the uses of the pie chart:

• Pie charts are used to compare the profit and loss in businesses.
• In schools, the grades can be easily compared using a pie chart.
• The relative sizes of data can be compared using a pie chart.
• The marketing and sales data can be compared using a pie chart.

Measurement of Angles Bar Graph and Histogram

Example 1: The given pie chart shows the subject of interest of each student in a class.

Answer the following question concerning the given pie diagram.

• If 30 students’ subjects of interest are history, how many total students were surveyed?
• Which subject is liked the most?
• Which subject is disliked the most?

1. According to the given question, 8% of the total number of students is 30. i.e. (8/100) x Total = 30 Therefore, Total = 30 x (100/8) = 375 Hence 375 students were surveyed. 2. According to the given pie chart, science is liked the most. 3. According to the given pie chart, history is disliked the most.

Example 2: For a science camp, students from different states have enrolled. Construct a pie chart for the given table:

Step 1: The first step requires us to jot down the available data into tabular form as follows: West Bengal Assam Tamil Nadu Gujarat Karnataka 10 5 5 10 10 Step 2: The next task is to calculate the sum of all the given data. Here, the Sum of All Data = (10 + 5 + 5 + 10 + 10) = 40 Step 3: Now, the next task is to calculate the percentage of each sector. We need to divide each sector value by the sum or total and then multiply it by 100. West Bengal Assam Tamil Nadu Gujarat Karnataka (10/40) × 100 = 25% (5/40) × 100 = 12.5% (5/40) × 100 = 12.5% (10/40) × 100 = 25% (10/40) × 100 = 25% Step 4: Next step is to calculate the degrees corresponding to each slice. The values can be calculated as: West Bengal Assam Tamil Nadu Gujarat Karnataka (10/40) × 360 = 90 (5/40) × 360 = 45 (5/40) × 360 = 45 (10/40) × 360 = 90 (10/40) × 360 = 90 Step 5: Now, with a protractor’s help, we will measure each angle from a single point or central point and draw the circle’s sectors. The resultant pie chart will be:

Example 3: A pie chart is divided into four parts, and the values are given as x, 3x, 4x, and 4x. Find the value of x in degrees.

As it is known that a pie chart has 360°. Therefore, if all the angles are added, it will give 360°. x + 3x + 4x + 4x = 360° 12x = 360° x = 30°

What i s Population Pie chart?

The population pie chart is the pie chart that represent the population of any area and the population pie chart of the world is shown in the image added below,

Q1. Students selected for ISRO visit from various states are given in the table below. Represent them in a pie chart.

Q2. Marks scored by Kabir in an exam in various subject is shown in the table below show a pie chart representing the same.

Articles related to Pie Chart:

• Plot a pie chart in Python using Matplotlib
• Pie Diagrams | Meaning, Example and Steps to Construct
• How to create a Pie Chart using HTML & CSS
• How to Make a Pie Chart in Excel
• R – Pie Charts
• Real Life Applications of Pie Chart
• Chart.js Doughnut and Pie Charts
• How to add a Pie Chart into an Android Application

Pie charts are useful graphical tools for showing data distribution in an understandable way. These are circular diagrams that have been segmented into sectors, each of which represents a percentage or fraction of the entire dataset. Pie charts help viewers rapidly understand distribution patterns by effectively communicating the relative sizes of various categories or components within a dataset. They are frequently used in publications, reports, and presentations in a variety of sectors, including business, finance, statistics, and education

Frequently Asked Questions on Pie Chart- FAQs

What is called pie chart.

A pie chart is a circular graph divided into sectors, each representing a proportion of the whole.

What is pie chart class 8?

In class 8, a pie chart is taught as a way to represent data visually where each sector shows the relative size of each value.

What are the 7 types of pie charts?

Simple Pie Chart Exploded Pie Chart 3D Pie Chart Doughnut Chart Multi-level Pie Chart Perspective Pie Chart Variable Radius Pie Chart

What is the Formula for Pie Chart?

To calculate the percentage of the given data, the formula used: (Frequency ÷ Total Frequency) × 100 Converting data into degrees: (Given Data ÷ Total Data) × 100

What are Examples of Pie Chart?

There are many examples of pie chart as pie chart is often used for visual representation. Following are some of the real-life examples: Representation of marks obtained by students. The marketing and sales data is obtained by using a pie chart. The profit and loss endured by a business can be represented by a pie chart.

Where is the pie chart used?

Pie charts are used for various purposes and various uses of pie chart are, It is used to represent various types of data. It is used to show data of various demographics. It is used to represent various objects of sales, marketing, and others, etc.

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Introduction to Graphs

Table of Contents

15 December 2020                 

Read time: 6 minutes

Introduction

What are graphs?

What are the different types of data?

What are the different types of graphical representations?

The graph is nothing but an organized representation of data. It helps us to understand the data. Data are the numerical information collected through observation.

The word data came from the Latin word Datum which means “something given”

After a research question is developed, data is being collected continuously through observation. Then it is organized, summarized, classified, and then represented graphically.

Differences between Data and information: Data is the raw fact without any add on but the information is the meaning derived from data.

Introduction to Graphs-PDF

The graph is nothing but an organized representation of data. It helps us to understand the data. Data are the numerical information collected through observation. Here is a downloadable PDF to explore more.

• Line and Bar Graphs Application
• Graphs in Mathematics & Statistics

What are the different Types of Data?

There are two types of Data :

Quantitative

The data which are statistical or numerical are known as Quantitive data. Quantitive data is generated through. Quantitative data is also known as Structured data. Experiments, Tests, Surveys, Market Report.

Quantitive data is again divided into Continuous data and Discrete data.

Continuous Data

Continuous data is the data which can have any value. That means Continuous data can give infinite outcomes so it should be grouped before representing on a graph.

• The speed of a vehicle as it passes a checkpoint
• The mass of a cooking apple
• The time taken by a volunteer to perform a task

Discrete Data

Discrete data can have certain values. That means only a finite number can be categorized as discrete data.

• Numbers of cars sold at a dealership during a given month
• Number of houses in certain block
• Number of fish caught on a fishing trip
• Number of complaints received at the office of airline on a given day
• Number of customers who visit at bank during any given hour
• Number of heads obtained in three tosses of a coin

Differences between Discrete and Continuous data

• Numerical data could be either discrete or continuous
• Continuous data can take any numerical value (within a range); For example, weight, height, etc.
• There can be an infinite number of possible values in continuous data
• Discrete data can take only certain values by finite ‘jumps’, i.e., it ‘jumps’ from one value to another but does not take any intermediate value between them (For example, number of students in the class)

Qualitative

Data that deals with description or quality instead of numbers are known as Quantitative data. Qualitative data is also known as unstructured data. Because this type of data is loosely compact and can’t be analyzed conventionally.

Different Types of Graphical Representations

There are many types of graph we can use to represent data. They are as follows,

A bar graph or chart is a way to represent data by rectangular column or bar. The heights or length of the bar is proportional to the values.

A line graph is a type of graph where the information or data is plotted as some dots which are known as markers and then they are added to each other by a straight line.

The line graph is normally used to represent the data that changes over time.

A histogram graph is a graph where the information is represented along with the height of the rectangular bar. Though it does look like a bar graph, there is a fundamental difference between them. With the histogram, each column represents a range of quantitative data when a bar graph represents categorical variables.

The other name of the pie chart is a circle graph. It is a circular chart where numerical information represents as slices or in fractional form or percentage where the whole circle is 100%.

• Stem and leaf plot

The stem and leaf plot is a way to represents quantitative data according to frequency ranges or frequency distribution.

In the stem and leaf plot, each data is split into stem and leaf, which is 32 will be split into 3 stems and 2 leaves.

Frequency table: Frequency means the number of occurrences of an event. A frequency distribution table is a graph or chart which shows the frequency of events. It is denoted as ‘f’ .

Pictograph or Pictogram is the earliest way to represents data in a pictorial form or by using symbols or images. And each image represents a particular number of things.

According to the above-mentioned Pictograph, the number of Appels sold on Monday is 6x2=12.

• Scatter diagrams

Scatter diagram or scatter plot is a way of graphical representation by using cartesian coordinates of two variables. The plot shows the relationship between two variables. Below there is a data table as well as a Scattergram as per the given data.

What is the meaning of Graphical representation?

Graphical representation is a way to represent and analyze quantitive data. A graph is a kind of a chart where data are plotted as variables across the coordinate. It became easy to analyze the extent of change of one variable based on the change of other variables.

Principles of graphical representation

The principles of graphical representation are algebraic. In a graph, there are two lines known as Axis or Coordinate axis. These are the X-axis and Y-axis. The horizontal axis is the X-axis and the vertical axis is the Y-axis. They are perpendicular to each other and intersect at O or point of Origin.

On the right side of the Origin, the Xaxis has a positive value and on the left side, it has a negative value. In the same way, the upper side of the Origin Y-axis has a positive value where the down one is with a negative value.

When X-axis and y-axis intersected each other at the origin it divides the plane into four parts which are called Quadrant I, Quadrant II, Quadrant III, Quadrant IV.

The location on the coordinate plane is known as the ordered pair and it is written as (x,y). That means the first value will be on the x-axis and the second one is on the y-axis. When we will plot any coordinate, we always have to start counting from the origin and have to move along the x-axis, if it is positive then to the right side, and if it is negative then to the left side. Then from the x-axis, we have to plot the y’s value, which means we have to move up for positive value or down if the value is negative along with the y-axis.

In the following graph, 1st ordered pair (2,3) where both the values of x and y are positive and it is on quadrant I. 2nd ordered pair (-3,1), here the value of x is negative and value of y is positive and it is in quadrant II. 3rd ordered pair (-1.5, -2.5), here the value of x as well as y both are Negative and in quadrant III.

Methods of representing a frequency distribution

There are four methods to represent a frequency distribution graphically. These are,

• Smoothed Frequency graph
• Cumulative frequency graph or Ogive.
• Pie diagram.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Graphical representation of data

• It improves the way of analyzing and learning as the graphical representation makes the data easy to understand.
• It can be used in almost all fields from mathematics to physics to psychology and so on.
• It is easy to understand for its visual impacts.
• It shows the whole and huge data in an instance.

The main disadvantage of graphical representation of data is that it takes a lot of effort as well as resources to find the most appropriate data and then represents it graphically.

You may also like:

• Graphing a Quadratic Function
• Empirical Relationship Between Mean, Median, and Mode

Not only in mathematics but almost in every field the graph is a very important way to store, analyze, and represents information. After any research work or after any survey the next step is to organize the observation or information and plotting them on a graph paper or plane. The visual representation of information makes the understanding of crucial components or trends easier.

A huge amount of data can be store or analyze in a small space.

The graphical representation of data helps to decide by following the trend.

A complete Idea: Graphical representation constitutes a clear and comprehensive idea in the minds of the audience. Reading a large number (say hundreds) of pages may not help to make a decision. Anyone can get a clear idea just by looking into the graph or design.

Graphs are a very conceptual topic, so it is essential to get a complete understanding of the concept. Graphs are great visual aids and help explain numerous things better, they are important in everyday life. Get better at graphs with us, sign up for a free trial . 

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is data.

Data are characteristics or information, usually numerical, that are collected through observation.

How do you differentiate between data and information?

Data is the raw fact without any add on but the information is the meaning derived from data.

What are the types of data?

There are two types of Data:

What are the ways to represent data?

Tables, charts and graphs are all ways of representing data , and they can be used for two broad purposes. The first is to support the collection, organisation and analysis of data as part of the process of a scientific study.

- Tables, charts and graphs are all ways of representing data, and they can be used for two broad purposes. The first is to support the collection, organisation and analysis of data as part of the process of a scientific study.

What are the different types of graphs?

Different types of graphs include:

Pictorial Representation of Data

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Data often need to be displayed pictorially since extended figures can be difficult to digest and interpret. In order to make them more digestible, to bring out comparisons as well as trends — even for the expert — a suitable form of display has to be chosen. For the mass media, and the public, it is necessary to select a presentation with the greatest impact.

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Hall, A.H. (1978). Pictorial Representation of Data. In: An Introduction to Statistics. Palgrave, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-03146-7_18

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